SF Giants' Brandon Belt might be right fielder

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, April 13, 2011

First baseman Brandon Beltmight be right fielder Brandon Belt by this weekend.

In an effort to improve the defense, manager Bruce Bochy has had the rookie take flyballs in the outfield to prepare for a position swap with Aubrey Huff. Bochy said the change could come in a game or two.

"I talked to Brandon about it," Bochy said. "He really played right field more than anything until he went to school at Texas. He said, 'I'm comfortable out there.' "

Huff has struggled in right. After the Dodgers series, the Giants embark on a six-game trip to Arizona and Colorado. Coors Field has a massive outfield, and Belt's speed could play better out there. The way the Rockies have shot out of the gate, this series will be important and games could be decided by one mistake.

Belt is working with outfield coach Roberto Kelly to learn the oddities of the right-field wall at AT&T Park.

"The wind is probably the toughest part of what's going on out there," Belt said. "I played outfield most of my life. I'll be out there and try to figure out the nooks and crannies the next few days."

No Torres DL: The Giants decided against placing Andres Torres on the disabled list because of the quick progress the center fielder has made since he strained his left Achilles tendon Saturday night.

"If he comes in (today) and continues to make progress, and take batting practice, with the day off (Thursday) he might be ready this weekend," said Bochy, who was told there is little risk of Torres tearing the tendon based on the injury he has.

"The pain is fine," Torres said. "Sometimes it's a little bit uncomfortable. We have to make sure it's 100 percent."

Torres still could go on the DL if he regresses. Then, the Giants probably would recall outfielder Darren Ford from Triple-A Fresno.